A Russian helicopter with five people on board has been shot down after delivering aid to the Syrian city of Aleppo, the Russia Defense Ministry said Monday.
The Mi-8 helicopter was shot down by ground fire with three crew members and two officers on board as they returned to a Russian base, according to a ministry statement cited by Russian state TV. The condition of those on board is unknown, the ministry said.
The helicopter downing comes with deadly fighting underway in eastern Aleppo, where rebels are trying to break a Syrian government siege, in an offensive that has given way to days of airstrikes by regime and Russian warplanes.
Between 200,000 and 300,000 people are believed to be trapped in eastern Aleppo.
